An evangelical church in eastern Ukraine has been badly damaged after a Russian drone strike sparked a major fire.

The Світло Євангелії or ‘Light of the Gospel’ church in Balakliya was hit on Saturday at around 4:00 pm, according to community accounts. The explosion triggered a fire that burned for several hours, destroying the roof, damaging multiple rooms, and leaving much of the interior in ruins.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic and distressing scenes as flames tore through a building that had served as a local centre for worship, charity, and community life.

According to the church’s website, the fire was not fully brought under control until midnight, with firefighters and volunteers working through the evening.

“All this time, while rescuers were fighting the fire, people gathered around the building. Churchgoers, locals, volunteers, they stood side by side, crying, praying, and holding hands,” the church’s statement said.

The church community has already gone through repeated hardship since the wider war began, including periods of occupation and nearby explosions. Its pastor, Oleksandr Serhiyovych Salfetnikov, was previously held in enemy captivity, according to the church.

Despite the destruction, members of the congregation say the community came together again the following morning to begin clearing debris and salvaging what remained.

“The very next morning, Sunday, the church yard was once again transformed into an 'anthill.' People gathered not to mourn, but to act,” the church's statement read.

Volunteers spent the morning clearing rubble, removing burnt debris, cleaning damaged rooms, and rescuing surviving books and church items.

No injuries were reported in the strike.

The church has now launched a public appeal for donations to support reconstruction efforts.